In Kenya, conducting an online land search is an essential step for verifying ownership and confirming land details before purchasing or investing in property. The main agency responsible for land records in Kenya is the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, through the National Land Commission (NLC). A land search is a crucial due diligence step if you are considering purchasing land in Kenya. In the past, many Kenyans have lost millions after being sold fake or stolen land parcels. Others have found themselves purchasing land that has court cases.
To make the process easier, Kenya has digitized many land records, enabling online searches through the Ardhisasa platform. Here’s+ how you can conduct an online land search in Kenya:
Steps for Online Land Search in Kenya:
Visit the Ardhisasa Platform:
The Ardhisasa portal is the Kenyan government’s online platform for land searches.
The platform allows you to access official land information, including property ownership details and encumbrances.
Go to Ardhisasa and log in or create an account if you don’t have one.
Register or Log In:
If you’re a first-time user, you will need to create an account using your National ID or passport number. If you already have an account, simply log in with your credentials.
Select the Land Services:
Once logged in, choose Land services from the available options. This will direct you to a list of land-related services, including land searches, title deed application, and more.
Choose the Type of Search:
Land Search Example of a title deed
There are a few options for land searches depending on what you need:
Title Deed Search: To verify the ownership of a piece of land and confirm details such as the title number, owner’s name, and size.
Land Ownership Search: To confirm the details of ownership.
Parcel Search: To check the status of a specific land parcel.
Provide the Necessary Information:
You will be required to provide the Land Reference Number (LRN), or Title Deed Number, or other relevant property identifiers.
You may also need to input additional details like the location, or county for some searches.
Make the Payment:
After entering the required details, you will be prompted to pay a nominal fee of sh.500 for the service. Payment is made via mobile money platforms (like M-Pesa) or through online banking options on the Ardhisasa portal.
The cost varies depending on the type of search, but it’s usually affordable.
View Search Results:
Once payment is confirmed, the search results will be available on the platform. You can view and download the report, which typically includes details such as the landowner’s name, land registration details, and any encumbrances (such as mortgages or disputes).
Follow-Up for Physical Confirmation (if needed):
In some cases, after obtaining the online search, you may need to visit the relevant land registry office for further verification or if you need additional documents such as the title deed.
Additional Information:
For physical land searches, you may need to visit the Land Registry at the relevant county or regional offices.
If there are issues with the online service or if the records are not up to date, you can always contact the Land Registry for more assistance.
Other Platforms and Services:
Apart from Ardhisasa, some other platforms, including real estate websites, also provide land search services, but these might not offer official government records. For official searches, always rely on the Ardhisasa platform or directly through government offices.
Conclusion:
Online land searches in Kenya have become more streamlined through the Ardhisasa portal, making the process more accessible, transparent, and secure for property buyers, sellers, and investors. Always verify the legitimacy of the land title and ownership before making any property-related decisions.
